Hot Tips
This 'hot tips' section is for your benefit. In it
you will find useful information that will help you with getting your
print job done in a timely, efficient, cost effective manner.
Hot Tips Index:
The importance of complete specifications.
The importance of well prepared files.
Which programs are good to use, and which
are not so good?
How to name your colors.
The perils of RGB.
A prepress checklist for you.
Utilize the collection features of Quark,
PageMaker, and InDesign.
How do I send my files to Bison over the internet?
What about PDF?
Advantages of PDFs:
Disadvantages of PDFs:
How to make good PDFs.
Things to consider when printing metallic
inks.
How do I convert an RGB
or CMYK image into two or three colors?
What are "touch"
plates?
What do I look for in a proof?
Coatings and Varnishes?
How to minimize cracking.
I'm doing my own scans. What do I need
to know?
What is trapping, and should I worry about
it?
Can Bison Printing do my design work?
 The
importance of complete specifications.
Getting your job printed is our responsibility, but you, the customer,
also have a role in making the job proceed smoothly. First and foremost,
we need accurate information from you. It would be safe to say that
nothing will inhibit your job from getting quickly into production
more than incomplete or inaccurate specifications. The time spent
resolving these issues can add days to the turnaround of your proofs
and, ultimately, your job.
If the job information is correct, a job ticket can immediately be created,
and the job sent to preflight and engineering where the files are checked
and supplies (like paper and ink) ordered. Only after this first stage
is completed does prepress know how to layout the job and image proofs.
If the specs are wrong or contradictory, none of the above happens, and
we end up spinning our wheels and going in circles instead of moving forward
with your job.
The best scenario is for Bison Printing to give you an estimate based
on concrete specifications. When you order the job, simply refer to the
correct estimate number -- with any changes clearly indicated -- and we're
off and running.
Of course we understand that sometimes we won't have complete shipping,
mailing, or other instructions. We may not even have the exact quantity.
These situations sometimes can't be avoided, and we'll work around these
issues as best as we can. However, there have been many instances in the
past when a job has gotten rushed through the plant only to have it sit
on our dock waiting for shipping instructions. Other times, paper has
not been ordered on time to get the job printed because we didn't know
the quantity. You can avoid these situations by being as complete with
your specifications as you can.
The
importance of well prepared files.
The second part that you play in making sure your job gets done in a timely
manner is providing us with well prepared digital files. Bad files will
perhaps slow your job down more than anything else. In many cases, we
simply can't proceed with production until issues with the submitted files
are resolved.
Some of the most common things that will bring your job to a screeching
halt:
- Not including the fonts used in the job.
- Not including all pictures and other graphics used in a job.
- Using software that we do not support, or is not standard for the
printing/publishing industry. See here for a list of
software, from good to bad.
Here are some things that won't bring your job to a halt, but will slow
it down:
- Improperly named colors. See here for guidelines
for color naming.
- ./images and graphics saved in RGB format instead of
CMYK or Spot Color.
- Extra, unnecessary files included with the job. These just cause confusion.
- Not including a hard copy (laser) or PDF of your job for us to reference.
Which
programs are good to use, and which are not so good?
The best way for you to prepare your files is to use a Macintosh computer
with standard, widely used design and publication software such as QuarkXPress,
InDesign, PageMaker, Freehand, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc. The next best
thing is to use the same software on a PC. Here is a list showing software
that is the best, useable, and bad:
Best.......QuarkXPress, InDesign, PageMaker, Illustrator, Freehand, Photoshop,
Acrobat PDF (if prepared properly)
Usable........CorelDraw, Publisher, Word, WordPerfect
Bad........Excel, Powerpoint, Print Shop
If your software is not on this list, it's likely that we won't be able
to use your files at all.
How
to name your colors.
If your job has a spot color, like Reflex Blue, then it's important for
that color to be named the same anywhere it's used in any support files.
For instance, let's say you have a Photoshop Duotone image and an Illustrator
graphic placed into your QuarkXPress layout. Now let's say the Photoshop
file has the spot color named 'PANTONE Reflex Blue CV', the Illustrator
file has it named 'Reflex Blue', and the Quark file has the special color
named 'PANTONE Reflex Blue C'. Now the Quark file will have three colors
instead of one:
PANTONE Reflex Blue CV
Reflex Blue
PANTONE Reflex Blue C
If this is the case, then all the Photoshop and Illustrator files need
to be opened and have the spot color renamed. The best thing for you to
do is make sure that if your job has spot colors, they are named the same
in all of your support files.
The
perils of RGB.
Often we'll get jobs that have pictures and image in RGB format. For photographs,
this isn't much of a problem because our prepress software will convert
those ./images to CMYK on the fly. A bigger issue is when vector graphics
and fonts are colored with RGB colors instead of CMYK or spot colors.
When these colors get separated for printing, they sometimes look quite
a bit different than expected.
One thing in particular that is a real problem is files where the black
type is RGB. In this case, the type separates into a four color screen
build, which is difficult to print, and is time consuming to correct.
This problem occurs when non-standard software is used (like Microsoft
Word). Often, PDF files created from non-standard software will have all
black ./images in RGB.
Here's what you can do to eliminate this RGB problem:
- Use software that is designed for the printing industry so you can
easily define colors as CMYK or Spot. Click here for
a list of appropriate software.
- Convert all RGB photos to CMYK, and save as TIFF files.
- When you create 'new' colors in your program, make sure the color
is created as a CMYK or Spot Color (like a Pantone color) only.
A
prepress checklist for you.
Sometimes the list of things to look out for when preparing your files
is a little daunting. So much to remember! For your convenience,
we've compiled this handy checklist. Although it's not exhaustive,
it does help you do the main things necessary to prepare your files.
If you do everything on the list, it will make your job go through
our prepress department a lot easier.
Click here to download the list.
Utilize
the collection features of Quark, PageMaker, and InDesign.
Sometimes gathering all the correct fonts and graphics for a job can get
a little tedious. That's why all the major publishing software packages
now include some sort of 'collection' feature, which will gather all the
necessary elements for your printer into a neat folder for you - all with
a few clicks of the mouse.
In QuarkXPress, the command is File > Collect for output
In InDesign, the command is File > Package
In PageMaker, the command is Utilities > Plug-ins > Save for service
provider
How
do I send my files to Bison over the internet?
Rule number one: always take your files and compress them using
Stuffit or WinZip. Sending 'loose' files, or folders that are not
compressed will sometimes corrupt the files to where we can't use
them.
Once you've gathered your job into a folder and Stuffed it, go
to the send and receive files page
on our website and follow the easy instructions there.
IMPORTANT: Not all browsers support FTP uploads. If you have trouble
dragging and dropping files into your FTP directory then you may need
to acquire FTP client software mentioned above. If you're using FTP software,
the Host is: ftp.bisonprinting.com.
What
about PDF?
Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files are a wonderful way to send
documents electronically. When a PDF file is created, all elements of
your document like fonts, graphical elements, EPS files, and pictures,
are locked in, preserved, and compressed into a single file. The resulting
PDF can now be easily sent to anyone for viewing or printing. All one
needs to view a PDF file is Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded for
free at www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html.
While PDF files aren't perfect for every application, they do provide
a way to simplify and speed up many print jobs. At Bison Printing,
we can accept PDF files for your job. Click here
to find out how to make a PDF that we can use successfully.
Another fantastic use for PDF is in the proofing cycle. A PDF proof
can be emailed anywhere instantly, so you can have multiple people
proofing the same job at the same time.
Advantages
of PDFs:
- If you send your job as a press PDF, you don't have to 'collect'
all your files, and we don't have to pester you for all those missing fonts
and graphics!
- The PDF is a single file, and it's smaller than all the original files,
which makes it easier to send over the internet.
- You don't have to worry about the content of your job looking different or
getting accidentally changed.
- PDF is a great way to submit jobs that were created with non-standard
software like Word, Publisher, etc.
- When you send PDF files, you don't have to provide us hard copies of the
job.
- PDF offers an excellent way to soft proof a job before costly hard proofs
are made.
- On super-rush jobs, PDF proofs can be used for final approval, eliminating
the extra couple days it takes to overnight, approve, then send back hard
proofs.
- For those collaborative efforts, a PDF proof can be emailed to anyone,
anywhere, instantly. A great way to get quick approvals from all those
involved in your project.
- PDF files are secure, and can be digitally marked and signed.
Disadvantages
of PDFs:
- PDF files are hard to edit. It's not easy for Bison to make
changes to your job if there are errors. Often it is better for the customer
to make changes and re-submit a new PDF.
- PDF files are only as good as the original native files, so you have to do
a better job with preparing your original files so the PDF will be correct.
If we only get a PDF, then issues with RGB and color definition can't be
corrected.
- With a PDF proof, the customer can't check imposition and final folding.
- You use a PDF to check for critical color either. Color accuracy is
dependant on how accurate any given computer monitor displays the colors.
Printing out the PDF to check color won't work either, unless you have a
color accurate printer that is calibrated with a color profile to match our
printing presses.
- To create PDF files that are ready for offset printing, you must buy Adobe
Acrobat. The cost is about $275.
How
to make good PDFs.
PDF (Portable Document Format) is a wonderful way to send your job to
Bison Printing. Properly saved PDF files eliminate many font and link
issues commonly encountered when working with native application files.
There are distinct advantages and disadvantages to submitting PDF files,
which you can read about here.
When preparing to submit your job as a PDF for the first time, you may
want to give us a call for some pointers. You will need to buy a full
version of Adobe Acrobat (about $275) to create PDF files that are ready
for offset printing. Here are some major keys to creating usable PDF files:
-
Before you make the PDF, make sure the native files are created properly:
All color photos saved as CMYK and at least 300 dpi resolution at
final print size.
-
All spot colors consistently named between native and support applications.
-
All fonts used in the document must be loaded in your system.
-
No colors should be defined as RGB. All colors must be defined as
either CMYK or Spot colors.
-
Depending on your native application, there are numerous ways for you
to make your PDF. You can either 'print' the PDF directly from the native
application, or save your job as a Postscript or EPS file and then open
it in Acrobat and create the PDF. Whichever way you choose, make sure
you print or save with bleed and marks so that the PDF will have bleeds
and trim marks.
-
Don't just create the default 'screen' PDF. This type of PDF to a low
resolution (72 dpi) that is perfect for emailing and viewing on a computer
screen, but is not suitable for offset printing. Also, in a 'screen' PDF,
all colors are converted to RGB, and spot color information is not retained.
-
For regular CMYK jobs or black and white jobs, you can simply create
a PDF using Acrobats default 'press' settings.
-
Make sure you have embedded all the fonts in the PDF file. DO NOT subset
any fonts.
-
If your job has spot colors, call us for instructions, or you can download
Bison Printing's very own custom PDF settings by clicking here.
Things
to consider when printing metallic inks.
Metallic inks are made by mixing metallic powders in an ink base. In addition,
PMS bases are added to give the varying shades of the seven basic metallics
found in the back of the Pantone formula guide for coated and uncoated
papers. The basic golds and copper, for example, contain an increasing
amount of Warm Red as one moves from PMS 871 to PMS 876. There are also
hybrid metallics that combine the base metallics with a number of Pantone
base colors. These color combinations are found in the smaller Pantone
Metallic formula guide.
Two characteristics of metallic inks present a challenge to printers.
First, while basic inks are transparent, the metallics are opaque. This
opacity tends to block out, or 'cover up', previously run colors that
metallics overprint. Second, they are low tack and rather "soupy."
(Tack refers to the stickiness of the inks.)
Good adherence is largely a function of tack. Higher tacked inks run
inline on multi-color presses should go down on the paper first for the
same reason that one puts peanut butter on bread before jelly. If a lower
tack ink prints first, the higher tack will not adhere and may pull the
lower tacked ink off the press sheet.
Because metallics are opaque, they should run before other colors --
even though they are low tack. Otherwise the opacity of the metallic will
block the other colors out. This presents problems, because the low tack
(like jelly) means that subsequently printed inks (the peanut butter)
tend to adhere poorly to them.
Printers can work around this dilemma. One solution is to reduce the
degree of trap to an absolute minimum, even none, while running the metallic
first. Reduced trap requires perfect press register and increases the
likelihood that paper stretch will cause "white slivers" to
show between colors.
Understanding how metallics work will affect your design and expectations.
For example:
-
A screened area of a metallic ("soupy") ink tends to print
less clean, and the dots tend to spread because of the low tack.
-
If you're designing black type printing on a metallic gold background,
remember that the type has to reverse out of the gold, because if it overprints,
it will adhere poorly (like peanut butter on top of jelly), and look bad.
Printing very small type over metallic backgrounds should be avoided.
-
Duotones made with metallics should be considered with care. The metallic
coverage needs to be relatively light, as opposed to normal duotones.
Photos with dark shadows tend to reproduce poorly. Contact us for advice,
or let us adjust the duotone curves in Photoshop for best results.
-
Remember that jobs with metallic inks can't be proofed as accurately
as regular process jobs, or even jobs with spot colors. The issues above
(adherence problems, etc.) won't show up on a proof.
-
Metallics printed on uncoated paper will lose a lot of their metallic
lustre. Double hitting metallic solid areas will help this problem, although
the ink will tend to rub more easily when double hit.
-
Another thing to remember is that the metallic particles can rub off
if not sealed with a varnish or coating. But the coating and varnish
will actually dull the metallic sheen.
How
do I convert an RGB or CMYK image into two or three colors?
Converting an RGB or CMYK image into spot colors can be very
easy or very difficult, depending on the simplicity of the image.
If the image is simple with solid colors, then it's easy to simply
make selections in Photoshop and make those selections into spot
colors. An easy way to do this is to copy your selection and paste
it into a new Photoshop file that you've created with the appropriate
spot channels, then fill the selection with color.
If the image is complex, or has different shades of color, the
easiest way to convert the image is to have Bison Printing do
it for you... Otherwise, the best way to do it is by using a third
party Photoshop plug-in like PlateMaker or Photospottm .
What
are "touch" plates?
Touch plates are used to increase the CMYK gamut to include more
vivid colors such as blues, oranges, violets, and greens. Some
photos simply don't reproduce satisfactorily when printed in CMYK
only. Enter touch plates. At Bison Printing, we can add extra
colors, or 'touch plates' to help reproduce that brilliance you
are looking for. This technology does cost more, but for that
perfect piece, it is worth the money.
What
do I look for in a proof?
Number 1: Check the content.
Viewing the contract proofs is usually the first time the customer
gets to really see what the job will look like, and it's a common
mistake to get caught up in checking out the 'look' of the job
without concentrating on the actual content. Remember, this is
the last stage before your job actually gets produced, and it's
your last chance to catch mistakes. When proofing, there are some
things you will look at objectively (type, content) and other
things you will look at subjectively (color, design). Both are
of equal importance, but often the objective things get overlooked
in the excitement of seeing the first tangible representation
of your job. Make sure you do the following:
- Check Addresses and Phone numbers.
- Make sure names of people are correct.
- If applicable, double check postal information -- bar codes,
indicias, etc.
- Read all the text one last time. It's a good idea to have
someone new read it.
- Are all the photos and ./images present and cropped properly?
- Are the pages in the right order?
- Is the folding, binding, and/or die cutting correct?
- Is the information on the proof/confirmation sheet correct
(quantity, ink, paper, etc.)?
After you have checked all of the above you can concentrate on
the color and other more subjective issues.
Coatings
and Varnishes?
Coatings and Varnishes serve two purposes. First, they can enhance
to look of your final printed piece, and second, they can protect
your job from scratches and scuffs. At Bison Printing, we have
done thousands of jobs with all kinds of coatings and varnish
effects. From protective flood coverings to artistic spot gloss
and dull varnishes, we can help you accomplish your goals. Call
us for tips and advice on what will work best for your job.
How
to minimize cracking.
Sometimes when a job is folded the folded edge has visible cracking
where the paper surface literally is splitting open. This can
result in a troublesome and unsightly detail in an otherwise nice
job. Cracking is especially evident when the ink coverage is heavy
and a job is printed on thick paper. Also, low moisture content
in the paper can cause it to be brittle when folding. In the case
of heavy ink coverage -- especially dark inks -- the biggest problem
is that any cracking is very visible.
To combat the problem of cracking, there are several things we
do at Bison Printing:
- Whenever possible, we make sure the job folds parallel to
the grain of the paper stock.
- We score a job before we fold it. This is the most effective
way to combat the problem of cracking, but only works on cover
weight papers.
- Climate control. We make sure we keep the humidity in our
pressroom and finishing department within a certain range. This
helps keep stock moisture levels up, which helps prevent cracking.
In most cases, cracking can be minimized or eliminated. However,
there are instances where no amount of precautions or preventive
measures will eliminate the problem completely.
I'm
doing my own scans. What do I need to know?
Garbage in, garbage out. It's a cliche that applies to scanning.
A scan will never be better than the original. That's not to say
one can't make a scan look much better with software like Photoshop,
but one can always achieve the best results when starting with
good original photos.
Having said that, the next consideration is how much you are
going to enlarge the original photos. The critical issue here
is the optical resolution of the scanner. A good rule of thumb
is the '300 rule'. Basically, for every 100% of final image size,
you need 300 lpi resolution. For example: If you are going to
print the original photo at 100%, then you only need to scan it
at 300 lpi. If you are going to print the original at 200%, then
you need to scan it at 600 lpi, and so forth. Here's another example:
If you have a photo that you need to enlarge 600%, then you need
a scanner that can scan at an optical resolution of 1800 lpi (300
x 600 = 1800). If your scanner only has an optical resolution
of 1200 lpi, then the resolution of your scan may not be good
enough to print at the quality you expect. NOTE: interpolated
resolution is NOT the same as optical resolution.
Next, you need a scanner that can capture the color and detail
of the original accurately. For best results, you want to use
a commercial grade scanner with the ability to pick up details
in the highlight and shadow areas of your photo. Look for a scanner
with an Actual Optical Density of 3.5 DMax or higher.
When it comes right down to it, the necessary quality of a scan
depends upon the customer's expectations and the job itself. Some
customers -- and jobs -- call for the highest quality, while for
others, average scan quality is perfectly fine. With the scanners
and software available these days, it really comes down to the
detail and vibrancy of the original that is being scanned.
What
is trapping, and should I worry about it?
When two different objects of differing color touch each other
on the printed page, they need to overlap slightly (about 0.002
inches) to avoid "white slivers" due to the inability
of printing presses to perfectly register ink on paper. This overlap
is call Trap. For example, when you have yellow letters printing
on a blue background, the letters are fattened (spread) slightly
so that the yellow color overlaps into the blue background color.
Trap is something that you, the customer, don't need to worry
about. Bison Printing has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars
on state of the art prepress software with which we trap every
job to fit our production requirements.
Can
Bison Printing do my design work?
Bison Printing is NOT a design firm. We are a printer that brings
to reality the creations of designers. Having said that, Bison
Printing does have capable people that can set type and layout
simple projects in a pleasing way, but in no way do we want to
compete with and offer services that are better left to professional
designers.
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